U.S., Canada to close border
The U.S. and Canada will close their border to non-essential traffic to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus.
World Headlines
Coronavirus cases top 200,000 worldwide, death toll passes 8,000
The total number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus worldwide has now surpassed 200,000, according to Johns Hopkins University, while the death toll has topped 8,000.
China plans to disbar three major US news organizations
China is revoking the press credentials of three major US media organizations, in a move that has been censured by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as a further step toward secrecy by the communist administration of Xi Jinping.
Coronavirus kills leading Iranian ayatollah, as worries intensify
A member of the Assembly of Experts, which has the power to appoint or dismiss the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has died from the COVID-19 illness caused by the virus, the semi-official Fars and Tasnim news agencies reported Monday.
Russia’s Constitutional Court Approves Amendments Allowing Putin To Rule Until 2036
Russia’s Constitutional Court has approved constitutional amendments that could enable President Vladimir Putin to stay in power for another 16 years.
Europe mulls shutting external borders in fight against coronavirus
Europe proposed shutting its external borders to foreigners for 30 days on Monday in a bid to turn the page on its scramble to contain the coronavirus, but it drew criticism for doing too little, too late.
Chinese Economy Craters in First Two Months of 2020 Due to Coronavirus Outbreak
New economic data released Monday shows China’s economic activity in all areas plunged in the first two months of 2020 as the novel coronavirus outbreak first erupted and took hold in the world’s second-largest economy.
Iran Coronavirus Death Toll Passes 600, Syria Shuts Schools
Iran said Saturday the coronavirus outbreak has killed another 97 people, pushing the death toll in the country to 611, as war-ravaged Syria announced a number of strict measures despite the government saying it has no confirmed cases.
Trump to extend coronavirus travel ban to UK and Ireland
The Trump administration will extend a 30-day ban on travel from European countries to the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Syria war enters tenth year with no hope in sight
As it enters its tenth year, the war in Syria is anything but abating, as foreign powers scrap over a ravaged country where human suffering keeps reaching new levels.
NHL suspends season amid coronavirus pandemic
The National Hockey League (NHL) announced Thursday that it’s suspending the remainder of its season because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Three Coalition Troops at Iraqi Base Killed in Rocket Attack Bearing Hallmarks of Iran-Backed Militias
A rocket attack Wednesday night on an Iraqi military base housing coalition personnel cost the lives of three coalition personnel, the U.S. military confirmed. Details were not provided pending notification of next of kin, but military sources said two Americans and a British soldier were killed.
Iran oil industry failing as a result of Trump sanctions
Sanctions against Iran begun by US President Trump in 2018 have severely affected its oil industry, reducing the number of barrels per day (BPD) the Islamic Republic exports by half.
Iran hit hardest as oil price war, cornavirus cripples nation
The one-two punch of coronavirus and an escalating oil price war that is roiling world markets is hurting one country more than any other: Iran.
US Strikes in Somalia Nearly on Par with Strikes in Iraq, Syria
The pace of U.S. military strikes against al-Qaida affiliate al-Shabab in Somalia this year is nearly on par with the number of strikes against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.
Italy Expands Travel Restrictions to Entire Country to Contain Coronavirus
Italy’s government has expanded travel restrictions to the entire country, locking down some 60 million people in an effort to contain the coronavirus.
Italy imposes region-wide coronavirus quarantine in Lombardy
The Italian government on Sunday enacted sweeping measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, imposing restrictions on mobility and assembly in the Lombardy region and nearby provinces, including the cities of Milan, Venice, and Modena.
Abortions in England and Wales reach record levels
Abortions in England and Wales have reached record-breaking levels, new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show.
Pompeo Says Iran Must Be Held Accountable on Nuclear Commitments
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday called on all nations to hold Iran accountable for its nuclear commitments and said Tehran’s failure to report nuclear material was a clear violation of safeguard agreements.
Saudi Arabia bans Muslim pilgrimage in Mecca over fears about coronavirus
Saudi Arabia has banned citizens and residents from performing the Muslim pilgrimage in Mecca over fears about the coronavirus.